Rangers AGM: Ally McCoist earns praise for taking himself out of 'awkward situation'

Rangers manager removes himself from any controversy by gifting his proxy vote
to his home town supporters' club ahead of the club's pivotal AGM

Vote for the none above: Ally McCoist has followed through on a promise to allow the Calderwood Rangers Supporters Club in East Kilbride to use his votePhoto: ACTION IMAGES

By Ewing Grahame

10:30PM GMT 16 Dec 2013

Drew Roberton, the spokesman for the Rangers Supporters Association, has praised the judgment of manager Ally McCoist after he transferred his one million share proxy votes to the Calderwood Loyal Supporters’ Club in East Kilbride ahead of Thursday’s AGM.

McCoist gave his shareholding (just under three per cent of the total) to his home town club and Roberton believes that, by so doing, he has wriggled out of an invidious situation.

He had earlier said that it would be “suicidal” for him to vote against the current board but being seen to support them would have led to criticism from fans. By handing over his votes, McCoist has taken himself out of the equation.

“He’s obviously spent some time deliberating over what he should do,” said Roberton.

“There had been some speculation that he might give his proxy to a fans’ group but we didn’t see this coming.

“I believe Ally’s father was a member of the Calderwood Loyal. I dare say whether or not you believe this is a good thing depends on what your view is of the current board.

“What he has done is take himself out of an awkward position. The majority of the support aren’t happy with the current board but they are still his employers.

“By handing over his proxy he has removed himself from any controversy. The only other course of action he could have taken was to abstain but that could also have been interpreted in a variety of ways..

“He was basically damned if he did and damned if he didn’t but he is no longer in that situation.”

Rebel shareholder Paul Murray (who, along with Malcolm Murray, Alex Wilson and Scott Murdoch) hopes to be elected to the board of directors on Thursday, welcomed the move.

“Ally McCoist's decision to proxy his shares to the fans is a fantastic gesture and typical of the man,” he said.

“We also note the comments of Richard Gough, another Rangers great, who has called for further Board change. We urge the Board and the shareholders to listen to the fans. They are the lifeblood of the Club and cannot be ignored."

Murray and his colleagues also issued an open letter to shareholders and supporters ahead of Thursday’s meeting.

“Dear Fellow Supporter, for the last 5 months we have worked tirelessly to expose what has been happening at our football club and force transparency.

“We have been successful in highlighting the key issues. By doing so we have forced Board changes but we strongly believe that there should be further change to give you the Board you deserve and can fully trust.

“Members of the current Board, in an effort to cling to power and distract attention from the unanswered questions, have sought to demonise us individually and collectively. In contrast we have been totally transparent and have published the Rangers Constitution which we believe all Board members should sign up to.

“On Thursday the Club will have its first AGM in 3 years. We urge every one of you who own shares to come along, ask your Board the questions you want answered and cast your vote.

“You, the supporters, are the lifeblood of the Club. As such you deserve answers to the following questions:

“1. WHY does your Board refuse to disclose who is behind Blue Pitch Holdings and Margarita Holdings, the original backers of Charles Green and Imran Ahmad?

“2. WHY does your Board refuse to engage with you, the supporters, apart from issuing veiled threats that if you do not continue to buy season tickets then the Club will be in financial difficulty?

“4. WHY does your Board ‎refuse to engage with our group, four individuals with credible business credentials and access to public and private investment to help the Club and who are prepared to help the Club for free?

“5. WHY does your Board continue to support Brian Stockbridge when his position is clearly untenable and who had to repay his bonus to secure the vote of Laxey?

“6. WHY does your Board continue to retain the services of Jack Irvine, a man who insulted John Greig, the greatest ever Ranger?

“Thursday's AGM is arguably one of the most important dates in the Club's history. Your vote is critical so please make use of it. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard.”